Abstract
Obstacles in dealing with child sexual abuse (CSA) can hinder survivors in the process of coming to terms with their experiences. The present study aims to identify and analyze factors that may pose obstacles in the long-term process of dealing with CSA. It is part of a larger research consortium “Auf-Wirkung,” funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and was conducted in cooperation with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany (IICSAG). The IICSAG was appointed by the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth in 2016. To determine responsibilities, recognize injustice, and further acknowledge the survivors of CSA in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), the Independent Inquiry has held 1,303 private sessions with survivors of CSA by Oct. 17th, 2020. The present study focuses on exploring reoccurring problematic experiences reported by survivors in private sessions regarding the long-term process of dealing with experiences of CSA. A total of 30 transcripts of private sessions, conducted by members and appointees of the IICSAG between September 2016 and June 2019, were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Attendants of private sessions described a variety of obstacles, including negative social reactions to disclosure, institutions' unwillingness to elucidate occurrences of CSA within their midst, as well as general financial difficulties, and those linked to redress claims. Manipulative grooming by perpetrators and limited access to adequate psychotherapy were perceived as obstructive by survivors dealing with CSA. In the context of criminal proceedings, survivors reported long durations of court proceedings and negative experiences in connection to credibility assessment. Results will be discussed to better support survivors of CSA in the process of dealing with their experiences in the future.
Highlights
The IICSAG was appointed by the Independent Commissioner for Child Sexual Abuse Issues and the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth in 2016
Starting in January 2016 the Independent Inquiry called on survivors and contemporary witnesses of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) or Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) to contact the Inquiry staff to tell their story in form of a private session or a written report
The present study included 30 transcripts of private sessions held by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in Germany with survivors, who report having experienced CSA in the FRG or the GDR between the 1950s and early 2000s
Summary
This conclusion is further supported by Draucker et al (2011) Their model includes four stages (grappling with the meaning, figuring out the meaning of CSA, tackling the effects of the CSA, laying claim to one’s life), five domains of functioning (life patterns, parenting, disclosure of CSA, spirituality, altruism) and six enabling factors to progress from one stage to the next.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
